U.S. patent number 10,183,608 [Application Number 15/599,689] was granted by the patent office on 2019-01-22 for towable accommodation unit.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Huntian Pty Ltd. The grantee listed for this patent is Huntian Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to James Gerard Knight.
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United States Patent |
10,183,608 |
Knight |
January 22, 2019 |
Towable accommodation unit
Abstract
There is proposed a towable expandable accommodation or storage
assembly that includes a floor portion that is affixed to or
supported on a drawbar, wherein an expansion portion is configured
to be pivoted to one side of said floor portion to form at least
one wall when the assembly is being used for the purpose of
accommodation or utility. The assembly may provide a collapsible
ablutions cubicle or kitchen area that can be reduced in size
during transportation of the assembly. In this way, the assembly
can be towed to a site and expanded to provide an expanded living
area. Furthermore, the configuration of the floor portion means
that grey water can be captured for the ablutions cubicle or
kitchen area for storage in a tank or to be directed to a
drain.
Inventors: |
Knight; James Gerard (Lyndoch,
AU) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Huntian Pty Ltd |
Lyndoch |
N/A |
AU |
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|
Assignee: |
Huntian Pty Ltd
(AU)
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Family
ID: |
60421197 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/599,689 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170341562 A1 |
Nov 30, 2017 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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May 31, 2016 [AU] |
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2016902090 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P
3/341 (20130101); B60P 3/34 (20130101); B60P
3/32 (20130101); E04B 1/343 (20130101); E04H
15/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60P
3/32 (20060101); B60P 3/34 (20060101); E04B
1/343 (20060101); E04H 15/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;296/26.09,153 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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WO-2009112719 |
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Sep 2009 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Romain; Pinel E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sand & Sebolt
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A towable accommodation or storage assembly including: a chassis
supported on at least two wheels connected to a respective axle or
independent suspension, a drawbar, and a body generally rigidly
mounted to said chassis, the towable accommodation or storage
assembly being towable behind a towing vehicle, the body having
spaced apart first and second sidewalls, a rear wall extending
therebetween, a roof attached to upper parts of said sidewalls and
rear wall, and a main floor attached to lower parts of said
sidewalls and rear wall; an expansion portion, pivotably mounted
to, or adjacent a generally vertical front edge of the first
sidewall and pivotable to abut a generally vertical front edge of
said second sidewall; a fixed first floor portion adjoining or
extending outwardly of said main floor; and a movable second floor
portion hingedly attached to a front edge of the first floor
portion and pivotable about a generally horizontal axis between an
upright or angled orientation and a generally horizontal
orientation whereby it is supportable on or above said drawbar;
wherein said expansion portion is configured to pivot about a
generally vertical axis from a first position whereby the expansion
portion abuts or is positioned adjacent said vertical front edge of
the second sidewall and covers at least a part of the first floor
portion, whereby said second floor portion is positionable in said
raised position such that it abuts or is located adjacent a part of
the expansion portion, and a second position wherein at least a
part of the first floor portion is exposed and said second floor
portion is positionable in said generally horizontal orientation on
or above the drawbar to thereby provide at least a part of an
expanded floor for an expanded living space and said expansion
portion forms at least a first side wall of said expanded living
space.
2. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 1, wherein the expansion portion includes storage
compartments and/or ablutions facilities that can be accessed when
the expansion portion is in or adjacent the second position and can
be concealed when said expansion portion is in said first
position.
3. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 1, wherein the expansion portion overlays the first floor
portion when in said first position, to seal the first floor
portion from the ingress of dust.
4. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 1, wherein a front wall of the body or a portion thereof may
be movable when the expansion portion is in said second position or
between the first and second positions, to permit access between
the expanded living space and the internal living or storage
space.
5. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 1, wherein generally rigid panels or a flexible material are
used to form a roof, front wall and second side wall of the
expanded living space.
6. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 5, wherein the flexible material, is selected from a group
including, canvas, PVC and ripstop nylon.
7. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 5, wherein the expanded living space includes a frame or
poles that are secured to, or support the roof, front wall and
second side wall.
8. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 5, wherein an awning, tunnel tent or gusset is used to
connect the expanded living space with a rear internal space of
said towing vehicle.
9. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance with
claim 2, wherein the fixed first floor portion and hinged second
floor portion are generally planar and configured to be positioned
on generally the same horizontal plane when being used for
accommodation or utility purposes.
10. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 9, wherein the expanded living space includes a kitchen
area and/or ablutions area and/or sleeping area and/or dining
area.
11. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 10, further including a movable internal panel or
movable internal panels that can be positioned to provide internal
sidewall or sidewalls for said kitchen area and/or ablutions area
and/or sleeping area and/or dining area.
12. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 10, wherein movable internal panel or movable internal
panels may provide access to a toilet and/or shower and/or sink or
sinks.
13. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 12, further including plumbing for the toilet and/or
shower and/or sink or sinks and corresponding couplings for
connection to a water source or tank or dumping point, whereby the
couplings are accessible from an exterior of the expansion
portion.
14. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 1, wherein a flatbed or box tray is located rearward of
said body and/or expansion portion, and is rigidly connected to
said chassis.
15. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 1, wherein at least some plumbing couplings and/or a
storage area and/or a services area is/are concealed when the
second floor portion is in the upright or angled orientation and
abutting a side of the expansion portion.
16. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 1, wherein the second floor portion acts as a stone
guard when in the upright or angled orientation and being towed by
the towing vehicle.
17. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 1, wherein the first and/or second floor portions
includes at least one part that is sloped or slatted to permit
drainage into a drain pipe, sump or tank.
18. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 1, wherein a door is located in at least one of the
walls of the expanded living space to allow access thereto.
19. The towable accommodation or storage assembly in accordance
with claim 1, wherein stabilising legs or struts are used to
support at least a part of the expansion portion or first floor
portion or second floor portion.
20. A method of providing an expandable portable living space,
including the steps of: providing a towable accommodation or
storage assembly including a chassis supported on at least two
wheels connected to a respective axle or independent suspension, a
drawbar for coupling to a towing vehicle for transportation
thereof, a body generally rigidly mounted to said chassis, an
expansion portion pivotably mounted to, or adjacent said body, a
floor portion mounted to, or supported on, an upper surface of said
drawbar, and a movable second floor portion hingedly attached to a
front edge of the first floor portion and pivotable about a
generally horizontal axis between an upright or angled orientation
and a generally horizontal orientation whereby it is supportable on
or above said drawbar; towing said towable accommodation or storage
assembly with the expansion portion in a retracted position, to a
lodging site; pivoting the second floor portion from the upright or
angled orientation downwardly into said generally horizontal
orientation; pivoting said expansion portion about a generally
vertical axis into an extended position thereby exposing or
positioning said first and second floor portions to provide an
expanded floor for an expanded living space, the expansion portion
forming at least one wall of said expanded living space; and
attached or positioning a roof and walls in place to thereby at
least partially enclose said expanded living space.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to trailers and in one
aspect relates to a towable accommodation or storage assembly
including an expandable portion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are numerous configurations of trailers and caravans current
on the market that provide portable accommodation or that provide
the means for transporting equipment, such as tents, recreation
vehicles and boats. Towable accommodation in the form of camper
trailers, caravans, campers, towable RVs and tent trailers are
widely used in Australia and the USA.
There are also trailers that allow for the transportation of
recreational vehicles, such as quad bikes, which also include a
sleeping cubicle or sealed compartment for storing bedding.
All of these types of trailers or mobile accommodation units,
typically comprise a chassis supported on wheels connected to a
respective axle or independent suspension, a drawbar connectable to
a towing vehicle and a body fixedly attached to the chassis.
Many of the trailers and caravans currently on the market include
awnings that are configured to provide additional covered living
space. Furthermore, there are a number of caravans and campers that
include expandable body portions to provide an enlargeable internal
living space such as the units disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,749
to Counsel, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,993 to Pellicer. These
expandable body portions typically include a slidable portion that
can be slid outwardly when on site and then stored away during
transport.
Existing expandable body portions are however typically configured
to retract into the internal space of the caravan or camper
trailers, which means that they can impinge upon the existing
structures within the caravan or can make packing of the trailer or
caravan problematic.
En-suite caravans have become popular in recent times. However,
such caravans are typically larger in length thereby affecting
off-road ability and requiring the towing vehicle to have
sufficient towing capacity. Alternatively, an en-suite tent can be
attached to a side of a camper trailer or caravan, however these
typically cannot be accessed from the interior of the tailer or
caravan and accordingly lack privacy. Furthermore, such en-suite
tents cannot be used at many caravan or trailer park sites since
they do not capture or at least direct the grey water in a
controlled fashion.
The phase `towable accommodation or storage assembly` used
throughout the specification should be understood to include any
type of towable vehicle including, but not limited to, on-road
camper trailers, on-road caravans, off-road camper trailers,
off-road caravans, tent trailers, RV's, motorhomes, haulage
trailers, mobile homes, caravanettes, goods trailers, flatbed
trailers, tradesman trailers, storage trailers, car carriers, boat
trailer, horse floats or any other type of towable vehicle having a
drawbar.
It should be appreciated that any discussion of the prior art
throughout the specification is included solely for the purpose of
providing a context for the present invention and should in no way
be considered as an admission that such prior art was widely known
or formed part of the common general knowledge in the field as it
existed before the priority date of the application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It could be broadly understood that the invention resides in a
towable accommodation or storage assembly that includes a floor
portion that is affixed to or supported on a drawbar, wherein an
expansion portion is configured to be pivoted to one side of said
floor portion to form at least one wall when said assembly is being
used for the purpose of accommodation or utility.
In one aspect of the invention, but not the broadest or only aspect
there is proposed a towable accommodation or storage assembly
including, a chassis supported on at least two wheels connected to
a respective axle or independent suspension, a drawbar, and a body
generally rigidly mounted to said chassis, the towable
accommodation or storage assembly being towable behind a towing
vehicle, the body having spaced apart first and second sidewalls, a
rear wall extending therebetween, a roof attached to upper parts of
said sidewalls and rear wall, and a main floor attached to lower
parts of said sidewalls and rear wall, an expansion portion,
pivotably mounted to, or adjacent a generally vertical front edge
of the first sidewall and pivotable to abut a generally vertical
front edge of said second sidewall, a fixed first floor portion
adjoining or extending outwardly of said main floor, and a movable
second floor portion attached to or adjacent the first floor
portion and supportable on or above said drawbar, wherein said
expansion portion is configured to pivot about a generally vertical
axis from a first position wherein the expansion portion abuts or
is positioned adjacent said vertical front edge of the second
sidewall and covers at least a part of the first floor portion, and
a second position wherein at least a part of the first floor
portion is exposed and said second floor portion is supported in a
generally horizontal orientation on or above the drawbar to thereby
provide at least a part of an expanded floor for an expanded living
space and the expansion portion forms at least a first side wall of
said expanded living space.
In one form the expanded floor of the expanded living space
comprises the first floor portion that is fixed to the chassis or
drawbar, and the second floor portion that is hingedly attached to
a front edge of the first floor portion and pivotable about a
horizontal axis between a generally vertical or oblique orientation
and a generally horizontal orientation wherein it is configured to
be supported on an upper surface of said drawbar.
Preferably the expansion portion completely overlays the first
floor portion when in said first position, to seal the first floor
portion from the ingress of dust. An underside of the expansion
portion may include seals to inhibit the ingress of dust and
sliders, rollers or wheels to assist in the movement of the
expansion portion over said first and/or second floor portions.
In one form the body may include a front wall that encloses the
body to define an internal living or storage space. The front wall
may include a door to permit access to the internal living or
storage space. In another form the body may include an open front
or a movable partition wall. Alternatively, the body may include or
comprise a rear flatbed or box tray, or the rear wall of the body
may include or comprise a door for accessing the internal living or
storage space
The towable accommodation or storage assembly could therefore be
broadly understood to comprise an internal living or storage space
at least partially delineated by the body, and an expanded living
space that is at least partially delineated by the expansion
portion and the expanded floor.
The front wall of the body or a portion thereof may be movable when
the expansion portion is in said second position or between the
first and second positions, to permit access between the expanded
living space and the internal living or storage space.
In one form, generally rigid panels are used to form a roof, front
wall and second side wall of the expanded living space. The panels
are secured in place by relevant clamps, clips or temporary fixing
means. The panels that form the roof and walls may be hingedly or
slidably attached to the body. In one form the roof panel slidably
engages the roof of the body wherein it can be extended when the
expansion portion is in the second position.
In another form, at least some of the walls and/or roof of the
expanded living space are constructed from a flexible material,
such as but not limited to canvas, PVC or ripstop nylon, wherein
zips, elastic cords, press studs, or strips of hook and loop
fasters are used to hold the flexible material in place.
In another form an awning, tunnel tent or gusset may be used to
connect the expanded living space to a rear internal space of said
towing vehicle. The awning, tunnel tent or gusset may be connected
to, or extends over, a rear of said towing vehicle.
The walls and/or roof of the expanded living space may include a
foldable frame wherein as the expansion portion is opening the
frame folds out from a storage position to form the walls and/or
roof. This automatic deployment of the walls and/or roof may be
used to reduce the time of setup. Alternatively, the flexible walls
and/or roof may be manually retrieved from a storage cavity and may
be clipped or otherwise secured in place. A removable pole/s or
frame can be manually located in position in a similar fashion to
the tent of some tent trailers.
The opening and closing of the expansion portion to provide the
expanded living space may be undertaken by way of electric or
mechanical assistance and include actuators, levers, pulleys,
cables or any other necessary apparatus that are required to assist
the user in moving the expansion portion. In one form the movement
of the expansion portion may be completely automated with
appropriate stops and override mechanisms to inhibit damage to any
opening/closing apparatus.
The roof and walls of the expanded living space are configured to
interconnect with each other and the expanded floor to thereby
provide a generally enclosed expanded living space. The connection
devices used to connect the roof and walls preferably provide a
barrier to the ingress of water and dust, but in some forms may
simply provide connection between the roof, walls and expanded
floor without a weather seal to the surrounding environment.
In one form the fixed first floor portion and hinged second floor
portion are generally planar and configured to be positioned on
generally the same horizontal plane when being used for
accommodation or utility purposes, i.e. kitchen, en-suite.
In another form the first and/or second floor portions includes at
least one part that is sloped to permit drainage. Alternatively,
the first and/or second floor portions may be slatted to permit
movement of water therethrough into a sump or drain. In the
immediately preceding forms the first and/or second floor portions
are configured to act as shower base and includes a drainage hole
or holes to be used to direct grey water into a detachable hose or
a grey water tank.
The first and/or second floor portions may be rectangular or may
conform to the shape of the drawbar and be generally triangular
shaped. In the triangular configuration, the expansion portion will
be configured to open to around 60.degree. relative to a front
vertical plane of the body, or any other suitable angle.
A movable internal panel attached to the expansion portion or a
front portion of the body may be used to provide an internal
sidewall for an ablutions cubicle containing a toilet and/or shower
and/or basin.
In another form the internal panel is a bi-fold partition that
includes two pivotable parts that are vertically connected and are
positionable to form two walls of said ablutions cubicle.
Preferably the expansion portion includes storage compartments or
facilities that can only be accessed from within the expanded
living space. In one form the facilities may comprise a toilet,
shower or sink with appropriate plumbing. The plumbing may include
couplings for connection to a water source or dumping point. The
couplings are preferably accessible from an exterior of the
expansion portion and may include covers or caps to protect them
when not in use.
In one form when the second floor portion is in a generally upright
position it covers the external access points or couplings for the
services i.e. power, gas or water couplings. The second floor
portion may also be configured to cover a hot water system and/or
water filtration system and/or storage area when in the upright
position.
Preferably a door is located in at least one of said walls of the
expanded living space to allow access thereto.
In one form a partition wall may be located between the expanded
living space and the internal living or storage space of the body.
The partition wall may be movable to fold out from an edge of the
body or expansion portion. The partition wall may include a door
therethrough or a void or voids to permit access between the
expanded living space and the internal living or storage space of
the body.
In another form, there is no barrier between the expanded living
space and the internal living or storage space of the body, whereby
the expanded living space provides an extension of the internal
living or storage space of the body.
The body may provide a living space including at least one sleeping
structure and the expansion portion may provide an expandable
en-suite and/or kitchen space. An internal door is preferably used
to separate the expandable en-suite from the living space.
The ablutions cubicle or en-suite may include movable walls wherein
the size of the ablutions cubicle may be reduced by moving a wall
or walls to access a part of the kitchen space or a storage
area.
In another form, the expandable en-suite may be accessible from an
exterior of the towable accommodation or storage assembly through
an external door.
The expansion portion may provide cooking, preparation, eating,
storage, sleeping and/or ablutions areas.
Preferably the hinged second floor portion acts as a stone guard
when the towable accommodation or storage assembly is being towed
and as a part of the expanded floor of the expanded living space
when in an expanded arrangement.
The second floor portion is hingedly attached to or adjacent a
forward edge of the fixed first floor portion. The hinged second
floor portion is configured to hinge about a generally horizontal
axis between an upright or angled position wherein it protects the
expandable accommodation unit from damage by stones, and a lowered
position wherein it is configured to rest generally horizontally
on, or parallel with, the drawbar to thereby form part of the base
of the expanded living space.
In another form, the second floor portion is slidably connected to
or adjacent the first floor portion whereby it can be slid out of a
stored position to be supported on or above the drawbar when the
expansion portion is in the second position.
The expansion portion may be generally rectangular in its
horizontal cross-sectional profile to thereby limit its footprint
when in the first or folded position, whilst maximising the size of
the expanded living space when the expansion portion is in the
second or extended position.
Stabilising legs or struts may be used to support the hinged floor
portion. Stabilising legs or struts may also support the expansion
portion when in the first or open position. The legs or struts are
preferably connected to the expansion portion and second floor
portion, and can be pivoted or slid into place to support the
respective structures. In another form, they may be reversibly
attachable thereto.
Preferably the legs or struts are configured to engage a ground
surface and may include feet or the legs, or the struts may be
configured to engage receiving brackets on the chassis or
drawbar.
Alternatively, the second floor portion may be supported completely
on the drawbar and the expansion portion is supported on the first
and/or second floor portions.
In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a method of
providing an expandable portable living space, including the steps
of: providing a towable accommodation or storage assembly including
a chassis supported on at least two wheels connected to a
respective axle or independent suspension, a drawbar for coupling
to a towing vehicle for transportation thereof, a body generally
rigidly mounted to said chassis, an expansion portion pivotably
mounted to, or adjacent said body, and a floor portion or portions
mounted to, or supported on, an upper surface of said drawbar;
towing said towable accommodation or storage assembly with the
expansion portion in a retracted position, to a lodging site;
pivoting said expansion portion about a generally vertical axis
into an extended position thereby exposing or positioning said
floor portion or portions to provide an expanded floor for an
expanded living space, the expansion portion forming at least one
wall of said expanded living space; and attached or positioning a
roof and walls in place to thereby at least partially enclose said
expanded living space.
Preferably when in said retracted position the expansion portion
abuts or is at least positioned adjacent a front of said body. The
expansion portion may overlay a part of said floor portion or
portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the
invention and, together with the description and claims, serve to
explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the
drawings,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly illustrating an expansion portion
in a retracted or closed position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the expansion portion in an
intermediate position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 1 in an extended or open position;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly illustrating in doted lines the
walls and roof of the expanded living space;
FIG. 5a is a top view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the expansion portion in the
retracted or closed position;
FIG. 5b is a top view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly of FIG. 2, illustrating the expansion portion in the
intermediate position;
FIG. 5c is a top view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly of FIG. 3, illustrating the expansion portion in the
extended or open position;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly illustrating the locking brackets;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly illustrating a wet area, internal
partition wall and internal door;
FIG. 8 is an underside view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 7 in the fully expanded arrangement with
the walls and roof attached;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly illustrating a front boot;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 10, illustrating the front boot open and
the stone guard/second floor portion lowered to reveal a lower
storage/couplings/services area;
FIG. 12 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly having dual axles;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly illustrating a foldable roof;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the
towable accommodation or storage assembly illustrating movable
partitions;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly of FIG. 14 with the roof lifted and a tent attached to
encloses the expanded living area;
FIG. 16a is a top schematic view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 14 illustrating the partitions in a first
position to thereby access the ablutions cubicle;
FIG. 16b is a top schematic view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 14 illustrating the partitions in a second
position to thereby access the kitchen sink;
FIG. 17 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly having a tear-drop shape;
FIG. 18 is a side view of the towable accommodation or storage
assembly of FIG. 17 with part of the roof lifted and tent
attached;
FIG. 19 is a side schematic view of the towable accommodation or
storage assembly of FIG. 17 illustrating the use of an awning to
connect the rear of the tow vehicle to the extended living space of
the towable accommodation or storage assembly;
FIG. 20 is a side view of the towable accommodation unit
illustrating a flatbed; and
FIG. 21 is a side view of the towable accommodation unit
illustrating a box tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts
throughout the drawings. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the
drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes
of clarity or illustration.
Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, there is
illustrated a towable accommodation or storage assembly 10,
demonstrating by way of examples, arrangements in which the
principles of the present invention may be employed.
FIG. 1 illustrates the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10
including a chassis 12 supported on at least one wheeled axle 14, a
drawbar 16, and a body 18 rigidly mounted to the chassis 12. The
drawbar 16 includes a hitch 20 for connection to a tow ball 22 of a
towing vehicle 24. The drawbar 16 further includes a jockey wheel
26. The reader will appreciate that the wheeled axle may
alternatively be independent suspension.
The body 18 includes a main floor 28 spaced apart from a main roof
30 with a rear wall 32 and opposing sidewalls 34, 36 extending
therebetween.
The towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 further includes
an expansion portion 38 that in the present embodiment is pivotably
mounted to sidewall 36 by way of a vertically extending hinge 40.
When in the closed of retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 1
the expansion portion 38 is positioned over a fixed first floor
portion 42. It should be appreciated that the fixed first floor
portion 42 may be integral with the main floor 28, as illustrated
in FIG. 3, or may be separate to and abutting a front edge of the
main floor 28.
The expansion portion 38 is configured to pivot about a generally
vertical axis from a first or retracted position as illustrated in
FIG. 1, through an intermediate position, as illustrated in FIG. 2,
to a second or extended position, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to
thereby provide an expanded living space 44 as illustrated in FIG.
4.
The towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 includes a hinged
second floor portion 46 that in an upright or slanted position may
act as a stone guard. The second floor portion 46 is pivotable
between an inclined position as illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein it
protects the front of the towable accommodation or storage assembly
10 from damage by rocks and debris when being towed, and a
generally horizontal position as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. In
the horizontal position the second floor portion 46 rests upon the
drawbar 16 and an upper surface forms at least a part of the
expanded floor 48 of the expanded living space 44.
The reader will now appreciate that the fixed first floor portion
42 and hinged second floor portion/stone guard 46 forms the
expanded floor 48 of the expanded living space 44.
In the present embodiment, the second floor portion 46 is attached
to a front edge of the first floor portion 42 by a horizontally
extending hinge 50.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 the second floor portion 46 is supported
on legs 52. These support legs 52 may be attached to or deployed
from the second floor portion 46 to stabilise the towable
accommodation or storage assembly 10 at the front outer corners.
The reader should however appreciate that struts (not shown) that
engage the drawbar may alternatively be used, or the second floor
portion 46 may be sufficiently supported on the drawbar to not
require legs or struts.
As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the main floor 28, main roof 30,
rear wall 32 and opposing sidewalls 34, 36 of the body 18 define an
internal living or storage space 54. This internal living or
storage space 54 may include fixed structures, such as a bed 56,
storage draws 58 or other structures typically found in caravans or
campers.
The expanded living space 44 is enclosed by a roof 60, front wall
62 and sidewall 64, shown as transparent in FIG. 4 to illustrate
the boundaries of the expanded living space 44.
The expansion portion 38 also includes fixed structures, such as
shelves 66 and a window 68.
FIGS. 5a to 5c illustrate the expansion portion 38 being pivoted
about a generally vertical axis into the expanded or open position.
As shown in FIG. 5a, the expansion portion 38 is positioned in a
first or retracted position when being towed behind a towing
vehicle 24. When the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10
is to be used the expansion portion 38 is pivoted through a series
of intermediate positions, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 5b,
until it is in a second or extended position as illustrated in FIG.
5c, whereafter it is locked in place. Once in position the walls
62, 64 and roof 60 can be attached as previously illustrated in
FIG. 4. The walls 62, 64 and roof 60 may be constructed from a
canvas material or similar. Alternatively, the walls 62, 64 and
roof 60 may be semi-rigid and removably attached in place or may
comprise panels that are hingedly or slidably connected to the body
18 or expansion portion 38 and which may be pivoted or slid into
place and locked with appropriate fixing means.
When in a closed or retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 5a,
during transit the expansion portion 38 covers and seals the floor
area 42 beneath it and seals access to the internal living or
storage space 54. Opening of the expansion portion 38 is supported
and controlled in stages via interaction with the fixed first floor
portion 42 beneath and also the second floor portion 46.
The reader should however appreciate that the opening and/or
closing of the expansion portion may be undertaken by way of
electric or mechanical assistance and include actuators, levers,
pulleys, cables or any other necessary apparatus that are required
to assist the user in moving the expansion portion, with
appropriate stops and override mechanisms to inhibit damage to the
apparatus.
A lower edge of the expansion portion 38 may include sliders,
rollers and brush seals (not shown) to permit the smooth opening
and closing thereof. When fully open, as illustrated in FIG. 5c,
the outside corner of the expansion portion 38 is latched to the
second floor portion 46 to provide horizontal and vertical
support.
As illustrated in FIG. 6 the expansion portion 38 is secured to the
body 18 during transport by way of latches 70, with appropriate
seals (not shown) to inhibit ingress of dust or moisture.
The roof 30 or a portion thereof, may be raised from a lowered
position as shown in FIG. 7 into a raised position as illustrated
in FIG. 9. This is commonly referred to in the art as a pop-top
configuration. As further shown in FIG. 7 the expanded living space
44 may be used as a wet area having a shower collection tray/drain
72 in the first floor portion 42 for collecting grey water. A fixed
partition wall 74 separates a part of the expanded living space 44
from the internal living or storage space 54. In the present
embodiment, the fixed partition wall 74 forms a rear side of the
shower recess and is used to mount a showerhead 76 thereto. A
pivoted wall portion 78 is configured to act as a sidewall for the
shower or as a door between the expanded living space 44 and
internal living or storage space 54. The expansion portion 38 may
include a toilet 80 and storage shelves 66.
The reader will appreciate that other configurations are possible
within the scope of the patent and include, but are not limited to
sinks, cooking facilities, sleeping structures, foldable tables and
seating.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, an exterior of the towable accommodation
or storage assembly 10 includes appropriate plumbing and couplings
82, 84 for connection to inlet pipe 86 in fluid communication with
a water source (not shown) and outlet pipe 88 for connection to a
dump point (not shown). The couplings 82, 84 are preferably
accessible from an exterior of the expansion portion and may
include covers or caps (not shown) to protect them when not in use.
In other embodiments, some of the coupling and a hot water system
may be concealed behind the second floor portion 46 when it is in
the raised position.
FIG. 9 illustrates the main roof 30 in a raised position and the
walls 62, 64 and roof 60 attached or repositioned to at least
partially enclose the expanded living space 44. A door 90 is
located in wall 64 to permit access to the interior of the towable
accommodation or storage assembly 10.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an upper front boot 92 with
corresponding lid 94 and a lower storage area 96 that is sealed by
the second floor portion 46, as shown in FIG. 10. The upper front
boot 92 and lower storage area 96 include respective seals and
latches (not shown).
As illustrated in FIG. 12, in another embodiment the chassis 12 is
supported on dual axles 14a, 14b and a door 97 is located in the
rear wall 32 of the body 18 and used to form a ramp to assist in
loading a vehicle such as a quad bike into the storage area 54.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13 the main roof 30
and roof 60 may be replaced by a single segmented or expandable
roof 98 that includes a plurality of segments 100, 102, 104, 106,
108, which are configured to cooperate to thereby form the roof of
the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 when expanded. The
segments 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, may comprise a flexible roof with
internal frame (not shown) or the segments may cooperate in such a
way as to provide a barrier to the ingress of water and dust.
Turning to FIGS. 14 to 16b there is illustrated another embodiment
of the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 that includes
an ablutions cubicle 116 formed by movable partition walls 118,
122. As shown in FIG. 14 the pivoted wall portion 78 form a door
that seals the internal living or storage space 54. This door 78
may include a lockable handle so that at least the internal living
or storage space 54 can be locked up if the towable accommodation
or storage assembly 10 is left unattended for a period of time.
This would be particular relevant where the expanded living space
44 is at least partially constructed from canvas.
As further illustrated in FIG. 14 partition wall 118 is attached by
hinges 120 and can be either positioned against door 78 when the
expansion portion 38 is in the closed position or moved to a
position where it forms one of the walls of the ablution cubicle
116, as illustrated in FIG. 16a. The partition wall 118 may also
act as a door for providing access to the ablutions cubicle 116 and
moved as indicated by the arrow and dotted lines of FIG. 16a.
The partition wall 122 in the present embodiment is bi-fold and
includes panels 124, 126, hingedly attached by hinges 128 and
130.
The first floor portion 42 in the present embodiment is slatted and
includes slots 132 that fluidly connect the upper surface of the
first floor portion 42 with the collection tray/drain 72. The
reader should appreciate that the second floor portion 46 may
similarly be slatted.
The present embodiment includes a kitchen module 134 that is
located within the expansion portion 38. The kitchen module 134
includes a bench 136 or preparation area and, although not
illustrated, may include shelves, a fridge, microwave or other
kitchen appliances or infrastructure.
As illustrated in FIG. 15 the expanded living area 44 is enclosed
by a flexible tent 138, such as, but not limited to canvas. The
tent 138 is stored within a roof cavity (not shown) when not in
used and when the roof 30 is lifted the tent 138 is pulled out and
attached around an edge to the floor 42, 46, expansion portion 38
and wall 34 by way of zips, clips or other fastening devices. The
tent 138 is supported by poles 140a, 140b and includes door 90.
FIGS. 16a and 16b show two different top schematic views of the
layout of the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10. In FIG.
16a the panels 124, 126 of the partition wall 122 are positioned so
that a user can have full access to the ablutions cubicle 116. In
this arrangement panel 126 abuts or at least conceals part of the
kitchen 134. As further illustrated in FIG. 16a the partition wall
118 can be moved in the direct of the arrow to act as a door to
provided assess to the toilet 80 and shower 76. Any water that
falls onto the floor 42 passes through the slots 132 into the drain
72.
When the user wants full access to the kitchen 134, the panels 124,
126 of the partition wall 122 can be pivoted around hinges 128, 130
and repositioned into the arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 16b.
In this configuration, a kitchen sink 142 that is attached to the
rear side of panel 126 is exposed for use.
As further illustrated in FIGS. 16a, 16b the internal living space
54 may include a raised double bed 144 and benches 146, 148 at a
lower level which extend under bed 144 and can be converted into
individual single beds. A table 150 is locatable between the
benches 146, 148 and can be slid under the bed 144 when not
required as illustrated by the arrow in the figures.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19, there is
provided what is commonly referred to as a tear drop camper
configuration. Typically, in the prior art a tear drop camper will
open rearwardly and the bed will be located at a front of the body.
In the present invention, the bed 144 is located at a rear of the
body 18, as illustrated in FIG. 17 and a portion 152 of the roof 30
is configured to open to provide access to the front of the body
18, as illustrated in FIG. 18.
The tent 138 can then be retrieved from within the roof cavity and
be supported by poles 140a, 140b as previously discussed. The tent
138 may also include an awning 154 that extends outwardly or
connects thereto as illustrated in FIG. 19. The awning 154 is
connected to, or extends over, a rear of the towing vehicle 24. In
this way, the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 is
connected directly to the towing vehicle 24 and the expanded living
space 44 can act as a foyer or intermediate area between the towing
vehicle 24 and the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10,
thereby allowing covered access to the rear of the towing vehicle
24 through a window 156 or by opening the rear door of the vehicle
24. This is particularly beneficial if a bedding area, storage
draws or a fridge are located in the rear of the vehicle 24.
As illustrated in FIG. 20, the body 18 of the assembly 10 includes
a rear flatbed portion 160. This flatbed portion 160 may be used to
carry a recreational vehicle, such as a quad bike or dirt bike (not
shown), wherein the ramp 97 can be utilized for loading and
unloading of the recreational vehicle.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the body 18 of
the assembly 10 includes a box tray 162 for carry goods. For
instance, the expansion portion 38 may contain the ablutions
facilities, power storage batteries and/or kitchen equipment, while
the box tray 162 can be used to transport tents, chairs, supplies
and other camping equipment.
The skilled addressee will now appreciate the advantages of the
illustrated invention over the prior art. In one form the invention
provides a second floor portion that is fixed on its lower
horizontal edge with a hinge so it can be lowered forwardly over
the drawbar to thereby create a forward expanded floor area over
space that is normally void due to the required towing vehicle's
turning clearance. Accordingly, the present invention uses space
that is typically not utilises in existing caravans, campers and
the like.
The expansion portion 38 can be swung open to expand the footprint
of the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 to one side.
The expansion portion 38 can also be partially opened to access the
interior of the towable accommodation or storage assembly 10 such
as at a roadside stop. Accordingly, the present invention provides
benefits or at least a useful alternative to current caravan and
camper configurations.
Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and
described in connection with the exemplified embodiments of the
invention, however it must be understood that these particular
arrangements merely illustrate the invention and it is not limited
thereto. Accordingly, the invention can include various
modifications, which fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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